I know that their are alot of people out there that feel that "conventional" exercise is not for them. It might be that they are obese, or in too much pain ... reguardless of the reasoning behind it, there are other ways of getting in shape besides running, cycling and the like.

I know, from experiences with my own patients, that water is a valid alternative to land exercise. And no, I don't mean swimming. :D Many obese patients, as well as spinal patients, have found that water is the only place that they can move in with reduced or no pain.

Here are some benefits of doing water exercise:


Although it intially increased blood pressure, it will decrease it over time
It can help cause reduction in swelling (due to the increase in hydrostatic pressure - which improves the veinous return <- that helps reduce the swelling)
Improved circulation (carry-over from the above)
In the vertical postion, it serves as a kind of "traction" or "distraction" that increases the space within the joints
You have decreased weight bearing (bearing only 10% of your body weight if you are in water up to your neck/at your shoulders) which assists in pain reduction.
Now I could go on and on about the pro's of water exercise, but I would also like to point out some conditions that I would strongly discourage water exercise with (ask you doctor if in doubt):


Incontinence
Respiratory diseases (you have to work harder to breath in the water due to the pressure)
Open wounds that cannot be properly covered
Unstable vital signs (Like pulse, blood pressure and so forth)
Cardiac impairments
Acute infections
Communicable diseases
Skin conditions (ones that you can transmit to others)
I have some much information on this topic ... if you would like more - such as examples of exercises and equipment needed (if any) - please do not hesitate to post you questions. I will do my best to answer them clearly and as quickly as I can.

Thanks,

Ane

I did water Aerobics, I loved it !! :)

I love water and doing water exercise. One day when I win the lottery I am going to have a house with an indoor pool. But, as person with anxiety and ADD it can be very hard just to get myself to a pool.

The only problem with water aerobics is that my keyboard keeps shorting out.
If I could find a waterproof wireless laptop that floats...I'd be ALL OVER THAT! :D

Every time I get into a pool I'm reminded of how many muscles I don't use normally! It's great stuff though for cardio. It's so so easy on the joints. I wish I was closer to a pool for the off season.

In the summer I'm 10 minutes from a beautiful tannin rich natural waterway that leaves your skin feeling like it's been powdered with the finest talc. Often right at the end of the day we jump in the truck and head for a late swim. Often there are friends there doing the same thing. It's such a luxury. I've been a water rat since I was very young.
Cheers